The shape of women’s breasts can change in many ways over time, especially due to pregnancy and nursing, weight loss, genetics, and many other factors. Women can experience varying levels of sagging and loss of shape that can leave them feeling self-conscious or insecure.
Every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful in her own body. That's why many make the choice to receive breast lift surgery.
What is a breast lift?
The first thing that you need to know about breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is that it’s not the same as a breast augmentation. While a breast augmentation surgery adds implants in order to enhance the size of the breasts, a breast lift simply rearranges breast tissue and relocates the nipple and areola to give your breasts that perky, lifted look that you enjoyed before kids or gravity took their toll. Some women opt to receive breast implants with a breast lift at the same time so that their breasts will appear fuller as well, but this isn’t necessary and completely depends on personal preference.
How long does a breast lift last?
A breast lift can totally revolutionize the appearance of your breasts for up to several years, depending on your age, lifestyle, genetics, and breast size. For example, women who are done having children may enjoy the benefits of the surgery for longer than those who decide to become pregnant and breastfeed again, causing natural sag. Additionally, age and the size of your breasts can make a difference in how well they take to the surgery (smaller breasts typically remain lifted for longer).
How painful is a breast lift?
If you combine your mastopexy with a breast augmentation, then you’re likely to experience some soreness after the fact, and possibly a longer recovery time. However, breast lift surgery itself doesn’t typically cause much pain or soreness post-op—in fact, many patients are able to fare just fine in the few days after surgery with a few doses of an over-the-counter painkiller such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. All in all, breast lifts are generally easy on patients, and you shouldn’t expect any huge interruptions to your normal life post-op, which can be one of the biggest deterrents for busy women.
What’s involved in a breast lift?
Your plastic surgeon will remove excess skin, move your nipple slightly higher on your breast, and then utilize your own breast tissue to reform the breast into a more lifted shape. The most common scar left by a breast lift is known by some as a “lollipop scar” because it goes around the areola then extends from the bottom of your nipple to the bottom of your breast. Don’t be too nervous at the mention of a scar, though—these typically heal to barely noticeable thin white lines after several months and won’t be seen in even the most low-cut tops. Those with more significant sagging will receive an anchor incision, which goes around the areola then travels down the bottom of the breast and then vertically along the fold.
What does a breast lift cost?
Breast lifts typically cost within the ballpark of $6000. However, it’s impossible to know just what you’ll need in terms of surgery, anesthetic, and other related expenses until you set up a consultation with your plastic surgeon. Every woman is different, which means every breast lift surgery will be different too!
We also offer CareCredit. Please reach out to our experienced team for more information and how we can help.
Ready to take the plunge and receive a breast lift? Contact the incredible team at the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery online or by phone at 410-308-4700.
